J a n u a r y 2 6 2 0 1 3
TRAVEL 4
Breathtaking Buddhas and views
From page 3
Perched atop Tohamsan moun- tain, the grotto boasts a 3.5m Bud- dhist statue described as “the most beautiful Buddha”. The huge gran- ite sculpture was erected in 751AD, and it is the main attraction for tourists who start off by pounding the Tong-il-dae-jong (Great Bell of Unification).
A narrow, scenic path with breathtaking views of valleys and blue skies leads to a cave with the imposing granite sculpture of the Seokgamoni Buddha. Exuding power and a serene aura, the Bud- dha sits cross-legged on a lotus throne facing the North Sea, his eyes half- closed in meditation and a faint smile on his lips.
Lying 4km to the east of this treasure, on the edge of the Toham- san, is the Bulguksa temple, an ar- chitectural masterpiece that houses most of South Korea’s national treasures. In the courtyard of this temple sit two Pagodas built during the 751AD rule of Silla king Gyeongdeok.
It is here that visitors stack up pebbles into shapes of pagodas, make a wish and hope for the best.
Stacks of these pagodas are clumped up behind the temple, with visitors taking time to make a wish.
Others simply rub the shiny golden pig in the courtyard for good luck.
The Buddhist temples are not all Gyeongju has to offer. The area is a maze of historical offerings that transcends visitors’ expectations and carries them into a virtual time machine, giving insight into ancient Korea.
The area boasts the Cheom- seongdae of the Silla Dynasty and grave mounds where royals remain buried with treasures like jewellery, artefacts and other utensils they used while still alive – highlighting their reincarnation beliefs.
Built during the reign of Silla Queen Seondek in 643AD, the Cheomseongdae is believed to be the world’s oldest surviving star- gazing observatory, and was used to observe stars in order to forecast the weather.
But this fades into almost noth- ingness when compared with ma- jestic, breathtaking panoramic views of Jeju Island.
Water drips down from above the ceiling of the dark slippery cave and rhythmic clanks of step- ping stones against puddles of wa- ter and lava granite echo through
the 8km passageway.
Lava hangs above us as we make a 2km walk through the belly of the Manjang caves, formed by lava from a volcanic eruption over 100 000 years ago.
It is intriguing, mesmerising and leaves visitors yearning to walk the remainder of the 8km pas- sageway – but it is impossible, ow-
ing to ongoing restoration work.
But there is more to explore on this picturesque island whose in- digo sea waters and breathtaking views make for a first-choice desti-
nation for romantic honeymooners.
To get perfect panoramic views of the island renowned for its wom- en divers, the Seongsan Ilchubong peak is a perfect spot. But it plays to
the line “no pain, no gain”, since getting to the top of the 182m-high peak takes some serious effort. You take breaks, but when you feel like giving up, the views draw you on.
● Visas: South African citizens don’t need an entry visa if staying for less than 30 days. However, if you are a journalist covering or filming a story, then you need an A1 visa.
South Korea is located in the southern part of the Korean peninsula. It shares its northern border with China and Russia, while to the east lies Japan.
The Korean Peninsula, which lies on the north-eastern section of the continent of Asia, also has some 3 200 islands in addition to the mainland.
● Population: It stood at 48 million in July 2009.
Capital City: Seoul, which is the most populated South Korean city at 10 million people.
● Currency: Won (KRW) 1 000 won = US$0.78 /
1 277.25 won = US$1
● Language: Korean, although with different regional dialects.
Temperature: Seasonal temperatures average from 23-27ºC in the warmest month of August and from -6 to 7ºC in the coldest month, January.
● Getting there: South Korea has nine international airports, and the Incheon International Airport outside Seoul welcomes flights from South Africa with Emirates, Cathay Pacific, Malaysia airlines and KLM.
Once in South Korea, connecting flights can be arranged to other parts of the country with Korean Air.
If you are intending to travel via SAA to Hong Kong, a connecting flight to Incheon Airport through Asiana Airlines is available.
